Cellulose Nanostructures Extracted from Pineapple Fibres

Abstract

The fibres from pineapple plant leaves and pineapple crown leaves are unprocessed wastes with high cellulose content (74–83 wt%) that are environmentally and economically interesting as source to extract cellulose nanostructures (CNs). CNs are materials with unique and remarkable properties that can be used in several high value-added applications. This chapter covers the main topics related to the isolation of CN from pineapple fibres. The main types of CN (cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibres, amorphous nanocellulose, hairy nanocrystalline cellulose and cellulose nanoyarn) are presented. The advantages of using pineapple fibre wastes to produce CN are addressed. The hierarchical structure and chemical composition of the lignocellulosic fibres are described, as well as the existing pretreatment and treatment methods (chemical, enzymatic and mechanical) for extracting CN from pineapple fibres. This chapter also covers the characterization, modification and potential applications of CN isolated from pineapple fibres, such as in the production of biomedical devices and biodegradable bio-nanocomposites.